JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 15 – Dr. Nafis’ academic journey at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is an inspiring story of perseverance, sacrifice and lifelong learning. Spanning nearly two decades of his study path from undergraduate student to a PhD graduate while working full-time and raising a family, surely nothing short of inspiring.
He began his undergraduate studies in 2006, enrolling in a part-time Bachelor’s degree programme while serving as a Clerk of Work. Balancing work, studies and family life was a daily challenge. At that time, he and his wife, who was also his classmate, were raising young children.
“We took turns caring for the kids,” he shared. “Sometimes, we even brought them along to UTM Kuala Lumpur due to classes.”
The couple frequently commuted between their house in Seremban and UTM Kuala Lumpur while juggling responsibilities with grit and determination.
After completing his degree in 2011, Dr. Nafis felt a void. “I had gotten used to being busy with something meaningful,” he said. That sense of purpose led both him and his wife to pursue their Master’s degrees together from 2012 to 2016. While his wife later chose to focus on their growing children, Dr. Nafis continued to pursue a PhD in 2016, a journey he completed in 2025.
Throughout this academic pursuit, Dr. Nafis steadily progressed in his career. Today, he holds the position of Deputy General Manager at S P Setia Berhad, Property South Division.
“UTM gave me the opportunity to upgrade myself while working. I’m truly grateful for the platform UTM provides for professionals to continue learning and improving,” he said.
One of the most transformative experiences during his time at UTM was participating in the Global Outreach Programme (GOP) to the United States. The programme included visits to prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, Cornell, Virginia Tech, and Clarkson University. “It was an eye-opener,” he reflected. “Students there were given more freedom to explore in labs, rather than being strictly bound by SOPs. Their confidence in communication and presentation skills was also impressive.”
Now that he has completed his PhD, Dr. Nafis plans to pursue the Professional Engineer (PE) certification under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), adding to his existing credentials besides Technologist (Ts.) under Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) and Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry (Management) (OSHCIM) Professional certification.
When asked about what advice he would give to current and future UTM students, especially those in engineering, his message was clear and heartfelt: “Never give up. Challenges and setbacks are part of the learning process. Admitting engineering is tough, full of calculations and problem-solving. Still, with consistent practice and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams.”
Dr. Nafis’ story is not just about academic milestones or career progression, but it’s a reflection of the power of continuous growth when determination meets opportunity. UTM is proud to celebrate individuals like Dr. Nafis, whose story reminds us that education is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit of growth.
Source: UTM NewsHub
